With climate-driven changes accelerating, development pressures mounting, and marine pollution reaching crisis levels, the Outer Banks—a vital stretch of barrier islands with global ecological importance—is facing unprecedented environmental threats. In response, Clean Coast is scaling up its operations across the region through targeted, science-backed initiatives rooted in community involvement and sustainability.
The projects, now outlined in full at www.CleanCoast.us, are centered on tangible, scalable action. Every effort is designed to provide immediate local impact while contributing to broader goals of water quality improvement, shoreline resilience, and marine wildlife protection.
A Localized Response to a National Crisis
“Our coastal regions are under siege—not just from rising sea levels, but from the ongoing pollution that flows into our oceans every single day,” said Russ Gayle, President of the Clean Coast Initiative Foundation. “In the Outer Banks, the stakes couldn’t be higher. These waters support local economies, serve as a haven for wildlife, and form a critical buffer against storm damage. We cannot afford to wait.”
Clean Coast’s model is clear and effective: organize volunteer-led programs that deliver measurable results, educate the public on their environmental impact, and mobilize resources through grassroots contributions. This hands-on approach has proven especially crucial as public environmental funding continues to shrink.
Three Core Environmental Projects Now Underway
1-Marine Debris Removal and Data Collection
Clean Coast volunteers are now conducting weekly cleanups along beaches, marshes, and public access waterways across the Outer Banks. These events target plastic waste, fishing lines, cigarette filters, and other debris that pose serious threats to marine life and water quality. What sets these efforts apart is their dual focus: each cleanup not only removes pollutants but also logs and categorizes the waste collected. This data is then submitted to regional and national databases to inform future environmental policy.
2-Storm Drain Pollution Prevention Program
The Foundation has initiated a large-scale storm drain marking campaign throughout Outer Banks communities. These drains, often overlooked, are direct pathways from land-based litter to open water. Each marked drain carries an educational message reminding the public that “This Drain Leads to the Ocean.” Complemented by classroom outreach and community workshops, this program promotes lasting awareness and behavior change.
3-Native Plant and Dune Stabilization Initiative
To address erosion and habitat loss, Clean Coast is restoring shorelines with native vegetation—primarily sea oats and salt-tolerant grasses—that help stabilize sand dunes, filter runoff, and support coastal wildlife. These living shorelines offer long-term protection for both natural ecosystems and nearby communities vulnerable to flooding and storm damage.
Every Contribution Creates Measurable Impact
Clean Coast Initiative Foundation operates without reliance on large federal or state funding. In light of recent environmental program cuts, the organization is emphasizing the critical importance of grassroots support to fuel its mission.
“Every dollar matters,” said Mr. Freeman, a project lead with the Foundation. “Our model ensures that donations are used efficiently and transparently. For every $50 contributed, Clean Coast is able to remove and properly dispose of approximately 200 pounds of pollution from the environment. That’s not just symbolic—that’s real impact.”
These funds go directly to:
Supplying cleanup materials (gloves, bags, safety vests) Producing durable educational signage for storm drain awareness Purchasing native plants and erosion-control materials
Training volunteers and coordinating fieldwork logistics
In addition to financial support, Clean Coast provides free public resources through its website, including:
A calendar of volunteer cleanup events
Downloadable educational packets for schools and youth programs Community action guides and sustainability tips
Maps of target zones for restoration and cleanup efforts
All resources can be accessed at www.CleanCoast.us. A Call to Action for the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks faces unique environmental pressures due to its geography. Frequent hurricanes, rising tides, and a growing tourism industry all contribute to the region’s vulnerability. According to Mr. Donski, a field coordinator with Clean Coast, “These islands are living on the edge of change. We’re seeing more debris washing up, more plastic in the water, and more of our shorelines disappearing. If we don’t act with urgency, we risk losing the natural identity of this place.”
The Foundation is calling on all members of the Outer Banks community—residents, visitors, schools, and business owners—to take part in the work of preserving and protecting the local environment. Participation can take many forms:
Volunteer for a cleanup Sponsor a storm drain marker Donate supplies or materials
Fund a planting area in honor of a loved one or organization Spread awareness through local events and word of mouth
Even the smallest actions, when taken collectivel
Media Contact
Company Name: Clean Coast Initiative Foundation & NCCCIF
Contact Person: Russ
Country: United States
Website: http://cleancoast.us/